Here we go. FIRST, yes, Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is insanely invasive in the humid summer regions of the eastern U.S. It is NOT invasive in arid regions. Southern California is arid. But be aware that invasive and extremely vigorous are two different things. Japanese honeysuckle will not colonize wild areas if there isn't sufficient rainfall to support it. It will go nuts, however, usually by self-layering, in well watered gardens in any climate where winter cold does not kill it back. So go ahead, Sweetmichelia, and plant it, if you wish. Just watch the base of the plant for shoots that grow along the ground, and nip them out or tie them up into the main fabric of the plant. SECOND,(and more pertinent to your question) in arid areas, the woodbines (like Lonicera periclymenum) tend to waft better than Japanese honeysuckle, perhaps because many of them are native to Mediterranean climates where summers are dry and humidity is low. Italian honeysuckle, Lonicera etrusca, is one to look for if you are south of San Francisco. (I just Google Earthed Chino. You're safe!) Though hardy throughout most of California, it has begun to naturalize in costal northern areas. The periclymenum varieties may mildew badly if you are in a hot day, cool night area, but have the most amazing fragrance of all the vining honeysuckles, according to this nose. Now, about invasiveness. We need to remember, when we make recommendations, that local climates determine whether or not any given plant will escape and become a pest. Generally, the closer a region's climate resembles a plant's native climate, the more likely that plant is to "escape" and naturalise, and, potentially, become a pest, like kudzu, wisteria, and Japanese honeysuckle have in the southeastern states, especially since the natural "predators" that keep those plants checked aren't present. Oh dear...I fear my soap sail-box has drifted me off topic.....
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